Bentley Mulliner – the Bespoke division of the brand – and British jeweler Boodles have come together once again, building on an original commission to create two design specifications, shaped by a shared vision of modern luxury.
Not everything memorable announces itself with fanfare. Often, it is the quieter arrivals that invite closer attention. The collaboration between Bentley Mulliner and Boodles follows this instinct, considered and quietly assured in its execution. What began in Spring 2024 as a single commission – the ‘Be Boodles’ Continental GTC, sold on the evening of its launch – has since revealed wider potential. With its composed palette, blush pink accents and discreet quilting, the car offered a refined interpretation of modern British luxury, informed by the art of fine jewelry-making.
“The customer feedback was extremely positive, and it was apparent that there was potential to evolve the collaboration,” explains Georgia Gough, Bespoke Design Consultant at Mulliner. What followed was a natural progression: two distinct Mulliner design specifications that now translate that original idea across the Bentley range, with the Bentayga EWB Azure the first to bring them to life. Certain elements were essential to carry forward, including the ‘Be Boodles’ quilting, an intricate blind stitch embroidery that requires 278,566 stitches and six hours to complete. “It’s an example of the dedication to upholding British craftsmanship within Bentley,” adds Gough. “The other key feature was the jewel-inspired center console motif. This embellishment application marked a development that reflects its continued focus on innovation.”
A MEETING OF MINDS
Bentley and Boodles share more than northern heritage; they are united by a similar perspective. Founded in Liverpool in 1798 and still family-run, Boodles approaches jewelry with a quiet confidence and sense of refinement. Thirty miles away in Crewe, Bentley has refined its own design principles over decades with the same measured intent. That proximity has shaped the collaboration practically as well as conceptually. “Due to our mutual ideas and culture, we were both able to celebrate the execution of timeless elegance through design,” explains Gough. “The collaboration brought together two disciplines, taking influence and inspiration from each other’s practice. The proximity of both companies also enabled designers to visit one another and work more closely within their respective studios.”
There is also a shared sensibility at play. While restraint is often cited in British design, Gough instead describes a preference for ‘understated elegance’, a recurring theme across both brands. This understanding of refinement and style, expressed through a bespoke approach that allows their clients to commission pieces that are entirely their own, underpins the work.
It’s an example of the dedication to upholding British craftsmanship within Bentley.
EXPRESSIONS IN DETAIL
Distinct in mood yet aligned in outlook, the two specifications were developed in close collaboration with the Boodles team. The Standard takes on a calmer, more luminous character. “It’s a celebration of the original specification,” says Gough. “We’ve selected natural, organic materials, such as Autumn stone veneer, taking influence from the Boodles palette. An Anthracite exterior is combined with a bespoke interior color split of Gravity Grey, Linen and touches of Powder Pink, creating a spacious and considered environment that reflects a more elevated sense of luxury.”
“The Dark specification embraces a more dramatic expression of modern luxury, offering a more contemporary interpretation,” adds Gough. “The Satin Anthracite exterior enhances the car’s sculptural presence while emphasizing its timeless silhouette. Inside, it is curated with an immersive blend of darker bespoke hues, including Beluga secondary hide and Baroda main hide, layered with subtle tonal contrasts of silver piping and detailing. Satin Carbon Fiber adds an element of confidence, strength and performance, offering a contemporary counterpart to the Light theme.”
Innovation plays a role, guided by coherence. From material selection to finishings, including the 24-carat gold-plated organ stops and the placement of each motif, the emphasis remains in harmony. “Balancing the details within both design themes was essential to create two nuanced specifications, each catering to different personalities,” says Gough. It is this sense of nuance that defines the collection. These are not statements designed for immediate impact, but bespoke cars that invite discovery. Their appeal lies in measured design, as each reveals its character over time through the quality of materials and the balance of forms.
A Bentayga EWB Azure is the first car configured with the Boodles Standard Specification and is available to order from a Bentley Retailer, with deliveries commencing in 2026.
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